How much does it cost to hire Sarah for a child custody case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Sarah walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Sarah offer a free consultation?

Sarah charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sarah's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Sarah's current terms during booking.

How long do child custody cases in South Carolina typically take?

Simple child custody matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Sarah gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Sarah take my case if I'm outside Surfside Beach?

Sarah is licensed in South Carolina. Matters governed by South Carolina law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Sarah will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Sarah?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Sarah will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Sarah accepting new child custody clients right now?

Sarah's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Sarah E Whatley, Child Custody Attorney in Surfside Beach, South Carolina

Over 18 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce · 4.8/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

Attorney

Surfside Beach, SC

Practicing child custody in Surfside Beach since 2008.

18+: Years practicing
4.8 ★: 2 client reviews
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Child Custody Child Support Divorce Family Law POA

Are you Sarah E Whatley?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Based in: Surfside Beach, SC
Experience: over 18 years
Known for: Child Custody · Child Support · Divorce

Handles Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce matters from Surfside Beach, SC.
Over 18 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Sarah's practice areas in Surfside Beach

Sarah concentrates on child custody, child support, divorce, family law, and poa. Each area below outlines the kind of case Sarah handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Child Custody cases in Surfside Beach, South Carolina

Sarah takes child custody matters in Surfside Beach, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Sarah agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in Surfside Beach, South Carolina

Sarah takes child support matters in Surfside Beach, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Sarah agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Surfside Beach, South Carolina

Sarah takes divorce matters in Surfside Beach, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Sarah agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Surfside Beach, South Carolina

Sarah takes family law matters in Surfside Beach, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Sarah agrees to represent you.

POA cases in Surfside Beach, South Carolina

Sarah takes poa matters in Surfside Beach, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Sarah agrees to represent you.

Biography

Sarah E Whatley, child custody attorney serving Surfside Beach

Sarah E Whatley is an attorney based in Surfside Beach, SC. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce. Sarah has over 18 years of legal experience. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 2 client reviews. Sarah works from Surfside Beach, South Carolina and takes on child custody matters across the region.

Ms. Sarah E Whatley is a lawyer practicing family law, wills / living wills, divorce & separation and 2 other areas of law. Sarah received a B.A. degree from College of Charleston in 2003, and has been licensed for 18 years. Sarah practices in Surfside Beach, SC.

Working with Sarah on a child custody matter

Clients Sarah works with

Sarah reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, child support, and divorce matters in Surfside Beach and the surrounding South Carolina area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Sarah studied and practices

University of South Carolina School of Law
J.D. · 2007
College of Charleston
B.A. · 2003

Jurisdictions

Sarah's state bar admissions

South Carolina
2008 · ACTIVE

Sarah studied at J.D. in University of South Carolina School of Law and B.A. in College of Charleston.

Law school and academic background

Sarah completed J.D. in University of South Carolina School of Law and B.A. in College of Charleston. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Sarah runs in South Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Sarah E Whatley's office in Surfside Beach

Sarah's primary office is at 1991 Glenns Bay Road, Suite 104, Surfside Beach, SC, 29575. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

1991 Glenns Bay Road, Suite 104

Surfside Beach, SC 29575

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Sarah E Whatley — 4.8/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Sarah. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing child custody attorneys in Surfside Beach.

4.8

2 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Sarah E Whatley claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Sarah E Whatley — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new child custody attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Sarah usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Sarah charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sarah's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Sarah will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a child custody attorney in Surfside Beach, South Carolina

A short list to run through before you commit: How many child custody matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Sarah

Sarah discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in child custody practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every child custody matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Sarah confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Sarah's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many child custody practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Sarah E Whatley

How much does it cost to hire Sarah for a child custody case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Sarah walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Sarah offer a free consultation?
Sarah charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sarah's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Sarah's current terms during booking.
How long do child custody cases in South Carolina typically take?
Simple child custody matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Sarah gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Sarah take my case if I'm outside Surfside Beach?
Sarah is licensed in South Carolina. Matters governed by South Carolina law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Sarah will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Sarah?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Sarah will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Sarah accepting new child custody clients right now?
Sarah's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Child Custody attorneys serving Surfside Beach, Columbia and Charleston in South Carolina

Sarah handles child custody matters throughout South Carolina. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified child custody attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Sarah's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these child custody attorneys in Surfside Beach handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.